A New Landscape?

January 2007

Windows Vista is the latest release of Microsoft's desktop Operating System. As you would expect with 5 years of development, it is packed with functionality and promises to address common user complaints such as security.

The most notable difference is the look and feel, users who can remember migrating to Windows 2000 will have some idea of the enormous task required to familiarise yourself with a different interface. Microsoft have invested a lot of time in attempting to make the User Interface more intuitive and as attractive as possible. The later has certainly been achieved, the new Aero Interface is certainly a visual stunner, animated affects, glass-like windows and translucent menus all add to a graphically rich environment. Of course to benefit from such features you will need a graphics card that supports DirectX 9, but as most releases are likely to ship with new hardware this shouldn’t be a problem.

Vista ships with the superb Internet Explorer 7 and Windows Media Player 11 as well as a host of other applications such as Photo Gallery and Windows Mail. But the more interesting features are under the hood, a range of system configuration options such as application specific volume sensitivity offer unparalleled flexibility, no more 20 decibel new mail notifications when listening to iTunes!!

Security is tightened to its highest levels yet, with preventive mechanisms in place to install untrustworthy software or even utilise pirate software or illegally downloaded media files. Activities that contravene software distribution regulations will email alerts to RIAA, MPAA or even Interpol!

In summary, Vista will be hugely successful and in due course will form a high percentage of the desktop Operating System market. Business users will find the product less attractive and will currently find upgrade costs prohibitive, the hardware requirements for starters are substantial.